Nuclear exercise appears to have gone well

Preliminary results from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) show that Kewaunee County has met criteria in each of the 23 tested areas of last week’s Ingestion Pathway Emergency Response Exercise with Point Beach Nuclear Plant, the State of Wisconsin, Manitowoc County and Calumet County.

Observed off-site evaluations were hosted Sept. 19-20 by FEMA officials in Green Bay, Luxemburg, Madison and Manitowoc to review the effectiveness of efforts to protect the health and safety of people potentially at risk in the 10-mile radius of Point Beach Nuclear Plant.

Preliminary results from FEMA officials show no issues were detected. According to the agency, Kewaunee County performed well in areas that included coordination between the Kewaunee County Emergency Operations Center and the Joint Information Center in relaying important information, as well as response to unforeseen circumstances and the ability to handle multiple traffic impediments, which can impact designated evacuation routes in an emergency situation.

Kewaunee County Emergency Management Director Tracy Nollenberg said more than 100 employees and volunteers participated in the exercise on behalf of Kewaunee County, which including local emergency responders, schools and radio stations.

“Kewaunee County participates in exercises biennially with Point Beach Nuclear Plant, we train hard and our efforts paid off,” Nollenberg said. “We couldn’t do this without the support and dedication of those involved.”

The final report from FEMA on the drill will be made available to the public in about 90 days.

About The Author

Award-winning longtime wordsmith, journalist and podcaster, Warren is a reporter, editor and storyteller who lives near the shores of Green Bay with his wife, two golden retrievers, and a couple of cats.